Information About Abortion

Before you decide to have an abortion, know what to expect and what an abortion actually “aborts”. This way when you make your decision, it will be YOUR decision, and you’ll be able to own that decision, and know it’s the one you can live with.

There are several different type of abortions, falling into two categories – chemical or surgical. Each carries it’s own risks and possible complications. Know the facts before you decide.

Chemical Abortions

Emergency Contraception or “The Morning After Pill” – is actually a high dosage of the birth control pill. It must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected intercourse.

RU 486 – is not effective before the fourth week of pregnancy. It requires at least three office visits. At the first visit the woman will be given an oral dose of mifepristone, which will destroy the lining of the uterus. Two days later she will be given misoprostol. This drug usually causes the abortion to occur within 24 hours, but can take up to 9 days. A third visit is necessary to ensure that the abortion was complete.

The MTX Abortion – similar to RU-486 except that instead of using mifepristone, the woman is given an injection of methotrexate. This is a chemotherapy drug. It is designed to attach rapidly growing cells. It slows the growth of the fetus and causes it to die. Misoprostol is also used to induce the abortion. If the abortion is not completed a surgical procedure will be necessary.

Surgical Abortions

1st Trimester – Suction Aspiration uses a powerful vacuum hooked to a hose. The the end has a sharp, serrated edge (cannula) which is used to scrape the lining of the uterus. The cervix must first be dilated in order for the cannula to be inserted. The contents of the uterus is removed in pieces through the hose. Once the doctor verifies that he has removed all body parts and placenta material the procedure is over.

The D&C Abortion is similar to the suction procedure except the fetus and placenta are first cut into pieces using a curettage – a sharp, loop shaped instrument. The pieces are then suctioned out.

2nd Trimester Abortions – 4-6 months – The D&E Abortion is similar to the D&C with the exception that forceps are used to grasp and break apart parts of the fetus. The pieces are then suctioned out.

Late 2nd and Third Trimester – 5 to 9 months – Histerotomy similar to a Caesarean Section. Incisions are made in the abdomen and uterus. The baby, placenta, and amniotic sack are removed. Babies born alive present the problem of how the infant is to be killed. Many are just ignored and left to die.

D&X or Partial Birth Abortion uses laminaria to soften the cervix for dilation. Once the cervix is dilated forceps are inserted. A foot or leg is located and pulled into the vagina. The baby is extracted in the breech position. With the head still inside the cervix, its organs are harvested. Scissors are inserted into the baby’s head at the base of the neck and opened to enlarge a hole that will allow the doctor to insert a suction tube. Once the baby’s brain is suctioned out, the skull collapses and is then delivered. Suction and curettage is used to clean the walls of the womb.

All abortions increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that having an abortion increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Regardless of the procedure used, a woman’s of developing breast cancer increases by at least 50%.

All methods of abortion can cause emotional damage to the mother, ranging from depression, unexplained anger, crying, and even suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Emergency Contraceptive or Morning After Pill – Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness. Risks include blood clot formation, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. 25% of women who use it will still become pregnant. Not recommended for women who smoke, have a family history of stroke or are over age 35.

RU 486 – Side effects include nausea, pain, and heavy bleeding. Extreme blood loss is possible, and will require blood transfusions. Dyssynchrony (the ovulatory cycle and menstrual cycle become unlinked) is also a side effect. RU-486 has anticoagulating effects. Heart attacks, severe deformities in failed attempts, incomplete abortions and even the mother’s death have occurred.

2 out of 100 continue the pregnancy. 1 in 100 need hospitalization. 1 in 100 need a transfusion. 40% abort at home or work.

It is considered too dangerous for smokers, women over 34, women who have high blood pressure, anemia, gynecological infections, or those with fibroid tumors.

D&C Abortion – Same as with the suction procedure but blood loss is greater, as is the risk of uterine perforation and infection.

D&E Abortion – The same for the first trimester procedures with the added risk of cervical lacerations from the sharp edges of the head bones.

Histerotomy – Risks to the health of the mother is greatest with this procedure. It causes the potential for rupture during subsequent pregnancies. The maternal death rate from hysterotomy is significantly higher than with other forms.

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TESTIMONIALS

As a post-abortive woman, I’ve felt for years that I can’t speak of this pain and regret in my life. To have my church begin to talk about abortion has brought me and others so much healing and I know it is helping to keep others from making that regrettable choice. Knowledge is power.

Finding out I was pregnant was so scary. I really didn’t know what to do. When I went to the Soulutions center they helped me to know that I’m not alone and have helped me so much. Now I can’t imagine my life without my daughter.–this place is a life saver.

About Us

The heart of our ministry is to uphold life and see lives changed through the Gospel message as we continue being a voice for the unborn and a source of hope for the hopeless. The practical material assistance we offer complements the emotional and spiritual help women and families receive from Life Saver Ministries as we strive to extend God’s love in both word and deed reaching more souls with the message of life!